Question

Vanillin compound obtained from vanilla beans, has total sum of oxygen atoms and \( \pi \) electrons is ______

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 11

Vanillin is an organic compound with the molecular formula \( C_8H_8O_3 \). It is a phenolic aldehyde with functional groups including an aldehyde, hydroxyl, and ether, and is the primary component of vanilla bean extract.
Structure of Vanillin:
\[\text{HO-C}_6H_3(\text{OCH}_3)\text{CHO}\]
Counting oxygen atoms and \(\pi\) electrons:
Total number of oxygen atoms = 3.
Total number of \(\pi\)-bonds = 4 (one in the carbonyl group and three in the benzene ring).
Since each \(\pi\)-bond has two \(\pi\)-electrons:
\[\text{Total number of \(\pi\)-electrons} = 4 \times 2 = 8\]
Therefore, the sum of oxygen atoms and \(\pi\)-electrons is:
\[3 + 8 = 11\]

Answer 2

Step 1: Recall the molecular structure of vanillin
Vanillin is the principal flavor component of vanilla. Its IUPAC name is 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde.
The molecular formula of vanillin is: \[ \text{C}_8\text{H}_8\text{O}_3 \] This means it contains 8 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, and 3 oxygen atoms.

Step 2: Identify the oxygen atoms
From its structure, the oxygen atoms are present in three functional groups:
1. One in the –OH (hydroxyl) group.
2. One in the –OCH₃ (methoxy) group.
3. One in the –CHO (aldehyde) group.
Hence, total oxygen atoms = 3.

Step 3: Count the π (pi) electrons
Vanillin contains a benzene ring (with three C=C bonds) and one C=O bond (in the aldehyde group).
- Each C=C bond contributes 2 π electrons → 3 × 2 = 6 π electrons from the aromatic ring.
- The carbonyl (C=O) bond contributes 2 π electrons.
Total π electrons = 6 + 2 = 8.

Step 4: Add oxygen atoms and π electrons
Sum = (Number of oxygen atoms) + (Number of π electrons) = 3 + 8 = 11.

Final answer

11